Whether you’re looking for a place to watch fireworks, listen to live music, or catch a military flyover, Beaufort has all kinds of events and activities to enjoy this Independence Day. If you’re not heading to the beach or out on the boat for July 4th, here’s a roundup of seven different events to celebrate Independence Day in the Beaufort area this Friday.
4th Annual 5k Firecracker Run
Bay Street, Downtown Beaufort
Friday, July 4th, starting at 8:00am
It’s almost time for the annual 5k Firecracker Run! Give back to our community by joining the HELP of Beaufort for a certified 5K run through historic downtown Beaufort and across the Woods bridge this July 4th. The 5k will start at 8:00am and the awards ceremony will begin at 8:45am. HELP of Beaufort is a non-profit organization that supplies our neighbors in need with food, clothing, and short-term assistance. Registration is $35, sign up for the 5k Firecracker Run HERE.
Salute from the Shore: Military Fly Over
Beaufort County
Friday, July 4th, starting at 1:00pm
Nothing says “Independence Day festivities” like the sights and sounds of military aircraft flying right over Beaufort County! Residents can expect to see (and hear) F-16s flying over the area around 1:30pm, followed by a Warbird Flight around 2:20pm. Please note, this event is weather-permitting, and times are approximate – be sure to get out there early!
First Friday: Red, White, & Blues
Bay Street, Downtown Beaufort
Friday, July 4th from 5pm – 8pm
We’re in luck this year, as July 4th falls on the first Friday of the month, when Bay Street stays up late and the entire city celebrates. This month’s theme is “Red, White, & Blues,” featuring live blues and jazz music on the street and unique specials from local shops and restaurants. Stroll through Beaufort’s charming boutiques, art galleries, gift shops, and more while enjoying the live music and supporting our local community. This event is free to attend, open to the public, and a great option for families with kids (and pets to walk around outside!).
Town of Port Royal Independence Day Celebration
Sands Beach Rd, Port Royal, SC 29906
Friday, July 4th starting at 5:00pm, fireworks start 9:15pm
The best place to see fireworks in Beaufort for the 4th of July is at the Sands Beach in Port Royal, hands down. Bring your friends and family to come watch the sunset before the show while listening to live music and enjoying food and drinks from local food trucks. The food trucks will be lined up starting at 5pm, including Beach Bum BBQ, Maynards, Fly Pies, Blue Sky Italian Ice, and Tropical Treasures. The Iron Mic Parris Island Marine Band will be playing live music starting at 8pm until the fireworks start. At around 9:15pm, East Coast Pyrotechnics will start the firework show and close out the evening. Please note, no coolers or pets (except for service dogs) will be allowed, and parking will be limited, so plan ahead!
Shellring Aleworks: Live Music
1111 11th St, Beaufort, SC 29935
Friday, July 4th at 6:00pm
Want to spend your Independence Day listening to live music while watching the sunset over the water? Shellring Aleworks has all of that and more, with rotating local food trucks, exceptional customer service, and a wide selection of locally brewed beer. Live music by Chris Jones will kick off at 6pm and continue into the night until 9pm.
4th of July Juke Joint Jam
16 Penn Center Circle East Saint Helena Island, SC 29920
Friday, July 4th at 7:00pm
For adults looking for a place to get dressed-up and dance this Independence Day, head to Penn Center on St. Helena Island. This event is for people aged 25+, with tickets available to purchase for under $30. Guests will enjoy live music by Beth Inabinett and For the Funk of It Band, followed by an R&B mix by DJ Kwame Sha. This event is organized by All Mobile Productions™(AMP™) to raise funds for the Penn Center Heritage Days Celebration.
The Fillin’ Station: Live Music
57 Sea Island Pkwy, Beaufort, SC 29907
Friday, July 4th at 7:00pm
One of Beaufort’s favorite neighborhood dive bars will host the popular classic rock band, The Chiggers, on July 4th. The band will start playing around 7pm, and guests can enjoy the live music while looking out over the water and snacking on one of The Fillin’ Station’s dinner specials.